Nairobi , Kenya -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Betty Gikonyo 's life changed forever at 30,000 feet .

Several years ago , the Kenyan pediatrician was flying with her three children to the United States , accompanying her husband who was pursuing a medical scholarship in Minneapolis . But just before their departure from Kenya , the family was asked to escort an 18-year-old boy flying to America for treatment on a heart condition .

The Gikonyos agreed and initially all seemed to be going well -- the plane was airborne and cruising but then , suddenly , the boy began to get sick .

`` He started getting difficulty in breathing , '' recalls Gikonyo . `` He started foaming through the mouth , '' she continues . `` We were very fortunate because we had the medication , and we found ourselves administering medicine in the air . ''

After a short stop in Brussels to allow the boy 's condition to stabilize , the group were finally able to continue their journey -- but the experience left a lasting impression on Gikonyo , shaping her mission to provide necessary healthcare for children in need .

'' -LSB- It 's that -RSB- feeling that you need to do something for somebody you do n't know so that they can be comfortable , so that they can enjoy life the way you do , '' she says .

Gikonyo has since returned to Kenya where she has become a leading pediatric cardiologist . Focused on improving access to quality healthcare , her illustrious career has seen her help establish the Heart to Heart Foundation , which raises funds for disadvantaged children to receive lifesaving surgery .

Gikonyo also began organizing medical airlifts overseas so children could receive the vital treatment . But it was in 2006 when the Kenyan doctor realized her 20-year dream of opening a state-of-the-art facility where could treat children with ailing hearts , the Karen Hospital just outside Nairobi .

Watch the video below to learn more about Gikonyo 's continued mission to alleviate suffering and improve the lives of countless children .

READ THIS : Performing surgery in a blackout

READ THIS : Making movies to tell Africa 's real stories

READ THIS : Tech innovator calls Africans back from diaspora

@highlight

Dr. Betty Gikonyo is a leading pediatric heart surgeon from Kenya

@highlight

She has devoted her life to alleviating suffering of disadvantaged children

@highlight

She helped establish a 102-bed state-of-the-art medical facility outside Nairobi